Expert: Alan Kahn - 4/2/2005

Question
Hey Alan,
I am new to the speed bag. I have always been amazed and in awe of people who had the talent to hit the speed bag with speed and accuracy. Then I came across some video clips of you and I was totally stunned. You are the speed bag master.
My question is what type of swivel do you recommend?
Is there a certain brand that you use?

                              THANKS,  Mitch Allen

Answer
HI Mitch

Thanks for the compliment. and the best part for me is knowing that YOU can really learn to control the bag like that also.  It is not that difficult. Mitch, All it really takes is understanding of how the bag works, and then practice the basic skills needed to do it. I am hoping my book, The Speed Bag Bible Book, my teaching videotapes and my websites will give people the knowledge and understanding of the bag, how it works and the Punching/Elbow striking techniques. then practice and in a few weeks, your speed bag ability will greatly improve. In a short time, people will watch YOU and be amazed.  I have people all around the world telling me it works. People send me videos of themselves hitting, and believe me, there are more and more "speed bag masters" on the planet. YOU CAN BE ONE TOO!  Even as a beginner. Believe in Yourself, be patient and practice.  You can do it.

as for the swivel. MY favorite swivel is the simple two Everlast BallHook. http://store.titleboxing.com/titleboxing-everlast-standard-swivel.html  This swivel has a "base" that attaches to the board, and a "bag attachment" hook that screws into the base. That is why it is two pieces. These two pieces can be separated.

Look at all my videoclips and you will see it and hear it. the Ballhook is the loudest, which I use for teaching. It is easier to hear the bag rhythm. But it is also my personal favorite, for I hit from all around the bag. This is the only swivel I have used that doesn't somehow interfer with the true rebound of the bag.  ALL the others will ocassionally influence the bag action in a negative manner due to their mechanics or construction. I find that the bag will rebound in a "wierd or unintended" angle more with other swivels. SO, I prefer the Ballhook. When I go to do demonstrations on equipment provided by others, I always take a ballhook and will change to it if allowed. Of course, some equipment companies prefer I use their brand, or another swivel if they don't carry the Everlast model.

but not all ballhooks are the same. This is an example of a BAD ballhook:

http://www.ambersports.com/asw3110.html

Note this swivel is NOT two piece construction. You can see that this swivel attaches to the board, and the hook part cCANNOT be independently removed. Also, in my opinion the hook shaft is too long, and the metal is soft. With regular use, the metal housing area holding the ball will quickly get pushed back and the ball will fall out, requiring you to change the whole thing ( remove from board and put up another one.) I recommend staying away from this one and purchase the much better Everlast two piece ballhook.

I hope that answers your question, Mitch. IF not, don't hesitate to ask another. take care, practice safely and I hope you master the speed bag as well.

check out this site also:

SpeedBag.info
http://www.speedbag.info/

Sincerely,

Alan Kahn
author, The speed Bag Bible